Test Drive: 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Monday

Nov 13, 2017 at 11:01 AMNov 13, 2017 at 11:01 AM

This week, we’re driving the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata, arriving in Limited trim and featuring an additional $3,025 in options. With an attractive entry price of just $20,050 for the entry SE, prospective consumers can find a proper Sonata fit for their respective budget concerns.

By Greg Zyla, More Content Now

Entry price: $20,050Price as tested: $31,310

This week, we’re driving the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata, arriving in Limited trim and featuring an additional $3,025 in options. With an attractive entry price of just $20,050 for the entry SE, prospective consumers can find a proper Sonata fit for their respective budget concerns.

Competing in the highly competitive mid-size market, the Sonata debuted outside North America in 1985 although it took four model years and a new generation to appear on North American shores. Introduced in America back in late 1988 as a 1989 model, the second generation Sonata sold well and officially began the “keep improving” corporate dogma through seven distinct generations. With impressive upgrades and solid consumer satisfaction the last 10 years, Hyundai automobiles have become one of the best selling cars in the world.

Built in Montgomery, Alabama, Sonata is Hyundai’s popular four-door sedan with room for five. Following the entry SE is the Eco at $22,650; SEL at $21,700; Sport at $25,200; and our tester Limited that starts at $27,400. Two Turbo models are available, the Sport Turbo at $27,600 and the Limited Turbo at $32,450.

New for 2018 is upgraded front and rear design, improved steering wheel layout and a new eight-speed automatic if you choose the Sport or Limited turbo versions. This latest generation features an overall roomier interior with extra rear legroom while an independent suspension is modified a bit for both comfort and handling. Hyundai designers did not go overboard on changing the overall Sonata look with the new exterior design, much to the liking of 2017 Sonata owners.

Powering all non-turbo models is a 2.4-liter inline-four that develops 185-horsepower and 178 lb. ft. of torque coupled to a six-speed automatic Shiftronic transmission. The resulting EPA fuel mileage is very good at 25-city and 35-highway while the Shiftronic feature allows for driver select modes for better RPM control and driving fun (at the cost of a few MPG numbers).

The turbo models utilize a 2.0-liter four with 245 horses and 260 torque that deliver EPA numbers of 23 city and 32 highway for both Sport and Limited models. Hyundai’s most economical Sonata stands alone as the aforementioned ECO model, powered by an even smaller 1.6-liter turbo that develops 178-horses and 195-torque hooked to a seven-speed automatic. Although not yet rated, the ECO is expected to deliver in the neighborhood of 29 city and 39 to 40 highway EPA numbers.

On the road, expect solid performance, quiet interior and secure handling as the suspension works in tandem with 17-inch Kumho Solus tires on lightweight alloy wheels for optimum road grip. The result is good steering feedback and a pleasant driving experience.

Hyundai Sonata continues to be a modern day success story. Along with sibling Kia Optima, this duo takes a huge share of sales in the mid-size class. Notable, too, are impressive, trouble-free consumer publication owner ratings and the notable 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, the latter still the best in the industry.

In summary and regardless of model, the American-built 2018 Hyundai Sonata is still a Test Drive Best Buy, hands down. If you opt for a 2017 leftover, you’ll save thousands and still receive the same mechanicals as the only major 2018 difference is the new front and rear designs.